Understanding CEFR Levels

CEFR levels such as A1, A2, B1, and B2 are often used to describe language ability — but the labels alone don’t always make it clear what a learner can actually do at each stage.

This guide explains what each CEFR level feels like in practice, with a particular focus on reading and comprehension.

If you’re trying to decide which level is right for you, or what to read next, this page will help.

A1 — Beginner

At A1, learners are at the very start of their journey.

You can usually:

  • Understand very short, simple texts
  • Recognise familiar words and basic phrases
  • Read sentences about everyday topics (people, places, routines)

Texts at this level:

  • Are highly controlled
  • Use present tense almost exclusively
  • Avoid complex sentence structures
  • Repeat key vocabulary frequently

Reading at A1 often requires patience, but progress can feel rapid as patterns start to emerge.

A2 — Elementary

At A2, reading becomes more comfortable and more meaningful.

You can usually:

  • Read short paragraphs and simple stories
  • Understand descriptions of past and future events
  • Follow texts about familiar situations and daily life

Texts at this level:

  • Are longer and more descriptive
  • Introduce basic past and future tenses
  • Use a wider range of common vocabulary
  • Begin to connect ideas across sentences

At A2, learners often start to enjoy reading rather than just decoding it.

B1 — Intermediate

You can usually:

  • Read straightforward texts on familiar topics
  • Understand the main ideas without translating every sentence
  • Follow short narratives, opinions, and explanations

Texts at this level:

  • Contain more varied sentence structures
  • Use multiple verb tenses together
  • Introduce opinions, reasons, and simple arguments
  • Expect stronger contextual understanding

Reading at B1 helps build fluency and confidence — even when not every word is known.

B2 — Upper Intermediate

At B2, reading becomes flexible and efficient.

You can usually:

  • Read longer, more detailed texts with confidence
  • Understand arguments, explanations, and viewpoints
  • Infer meaning from context with minimal support

Texts at this level:

  • Use complex sentences and connectors
  • Include less frequent vocabulary
  • Shift between abstract and concrete ideas
  • Assume a high level of grammatical familiarity

At B2, learners can read for information and enjoyment, not just practice.

C1 — Advanced

At C1, learners read with near-native ease.

You can usually:

  • Understand long, complex texts across a wide range of topics
  • Follow subtle arguments, tone, and nuance
  • Read efficiently without conscious effort

Texts at this level:

  • Use sophisticated language and style
  • Include idiomatic expressions
  • Expect strong cultural and contextual awareness
  • Vary tone and register naturally

Reading at C1 is about depth, precision, and nuance, not basic comprehension.